EP0875069B1 - Rotary switch with an intermediate blocking device between the rotation steps - Google Patents

Description

It is common with manually operated electrical switches very important that the switch is not accidentally turned on, switched on or in the wrong switching direction is switched. Measures are therefore often taken to prevent an electrical switch accidentally operated in an undesirable manner. So is for example in the applicant's patent application P 44 39 905.7 described a transmission switch in which a neutral Position can be locked so that the gear motor is not accidentally switched on or from the forward direction switched in reverse and vice versa can be.

Similar problems can also arise with manually operated rotary switches occur where a handle is accidentally rotated further or rotated in the wrong direction, so that an undesirable switching state is achieved here. This problem can also occur with steering column switches, where in the operating lever one by a twist grip actuated rotary switch is inserted.

The invention is therefore based on a switch the preamble of claim 1 resulting genus. task The invention is to prevent that in such a Rotary switch accidentally set a new switch position can be.

The task is characterized by the characteristic part of the combination of features resulting from claim 1. The In principle, the invention consists in the individual rotational positions of the switch by means of suitable locking means. According to the invention, a locking ring is proposed which with the help of a locking contour under tension in a associated locking contour of the housing-fixed carrier engages. The bias can be of considerable size, so only the next one with the conscious application of considerable force Switching step can be achieved. An accidental Switching or switching over is therefore not very likely. Since the locking contour and the counter contour are preferably together are toothed, the locking contour must first of all from the opposite contour be raised to the next switching step to be able to perform. The contour can be chosen in this way be that the teeth associated with each other inclined surfaces are provided when the handle rotates automatically to lift out the locking contour the opposite contour by using the bevel like ramps act that push the locking ring out of the opposite contour. At a rectangular gear is a targeted lifting for example by a longitudinal displacement of the Handle necessary to the locking contour against the opposite contour to be able to twist.

To the number of switch positions or in other words the Limiting the number of turning steps of the rotary switch is recommended the combination of features in a development of the invention according to claim 2. Then the two can each other assigned locking contours gradually against each other be turned until the stops of the locking ring and the housing-fixed support against each other.

To the desired preload for automatic locking To achieve in a simple way is recommended in further training the invention, the combination of features according to claim 3. The spiral spring thus keeps the contour of the locking ring constantly in engagement with the opposite contour on the carrier, being like already mentioned above, by oblique tooth flanks contours intermeshing by a rotary movement of the The locking ring is lifted out of the toothing against the preload can be, so that after a critical Point under the bias automatically in the next Tooth step engages.

The individual teeth of the locking contour can be the same Spacing on the face of a ring can be what accordingly also for the counter contour on the carrier applies. The teeth can be triangular or sinusoidal if you don’t, as explained above, decides for a rectangular toothing.

Nevertheless, if you want to do that with a simple rotary movement reach individual turning steps one after the other and in Special cases, such as individual copies of the switch, force that the next rest step only after a special manipulation is achieved, it is recommended in Development of the invention according to the combination of features Claim 4. The locking slide described there can therefore optionally installed in a latching rotary switch, as far as this switch should ensure that he only by a separate manipulation the next Allow step. According to the characteristics Claim 5 provided special locking stops on the locking ring be against the one in the locked position Strike the locking slide and thus turn the locking ring and thus prevent the handle. But it is also conceivable that the locking slide itself on the tooth flanks of the Engages locking ring and in this way against him Carrier locked.

If the locking slide is the rotary movement of the handle and block the locking ring in both directions of rotation, so In a further development of the invention, the combination of features is recommended according to claim 6. It is both conceivable that the locking slide fork-shaped a locking stop on the Latching ring encompasses from both sides or in the form of a rod the space between two locking stops on the locking ring immersed.

As far as the operating device, i.e. the handle, in its axial direction not at the same time as the permanent one Switching of a sliding contact can be used accordingly the features of claim 7 a simple axial movement the actuator is enough to unlock To reach position in which the handle can be turned. In other cases, it may be advisable as related explained with claim 10, a special handle like for example an operating button on the outer end of the To provide handle, through which without operating the Unlocking handle can be carried out, for example, by the Control button in the longitudinal direction of the handle opposite this is postponed. To after unlocking and reaching the gate valve automatically Returning to its locked position is recommended in further training the invention, the combination of features according to claim 8. Also to prevent unlocking accidentally is still recommended, according to the combination of features according to claim 8, the unlocking against Make force of a spring so that the locking slide through Shaking movements or the like not automatically in his unlocking position. The locking ring can now be such be built up by axial displacement of the Actuator, so the handle, in its unlocking Positioned by the actuator the gate valve in its longitudinal displacement in his unlocking position bumps. In this way the same spring, which is supported on the actuator to keep the locking ring in engagement with the counter contour, at the same time apply the preload against which the Gate valve must be brought out of its locked position. The Latching force is therefore the same as that for actuating the Gate valve.

If the actuator is coupled in the axial direction or the handle with the locking slide, pulls the same coil spring when you release the handle the locking slide back in its locked position opposite the locking ring back. The corresponding combination of features is related listed with claim 9.

In many cases it is desirable that one to be pushed in itself Actuation in the axial direction of switch contacts more suitable Switch for this type of operation is blocked or that an axially actuating button in its axial actuation should be hindered. In these cases, a multifunctional, per se for switching in the axial direction and in Direction of rotation of suitable switches reduced to one rotary switch become. To the extent that this is desired, in Development of the invention according to the combination of features Claim 11. Then a locking element ensures that the Shift button or the handle moved in the axial longitudinal direction and thus an actuation of contacts in this Direction can be exploited. The locking element be a simple ring, which is on the carrier supports and against suitable surfaces on the handle or is located on the actuating button, so that it is opposite the Face of the ring twisted, but not against the End face of the ring can be moved.

With the help of the locking contours, it is also possible to choose the possible ones Determine switch positions in which the intended Connect contacts electrically. Overall, there is only a certain switching angle for switching tasks available so you can go through the distribution a corresponding number of locking teeth this switching angle divide into individual switch positions. In the present It is thus possible, for example, to switch within an intended switching angle five different Take switching positions, so that from a middle position from two rest positions in the right and two rest positions can be reached in a left turn.

Fig. 1 einen Längsschnitt durch den Schalter und

Fig. 2 einen Querschnitt durch den Schalter nach Fig. 1.

An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through the switch and

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the switch according to FIG. 1.

In Fig. 1 the end of an operating lever 1 can be seen, which one in the switch housing, not shown Steering column switch is sufficient. Regarding what is described below Rotary switch is based on the unpublished patent application 195 28 641.3 of the Amelderin, in which a comparable Construction (next state of the art) has already been described with sufficient accuracy. On Therefore, only features are mentioned at this point insofar as they differ from the features already described.

On the hollow cylindrical actuating lever 1 is a essential ring-shaped holder 2 placed and opposite the operating lever 1 rigidly fixed. For example by locking over the mounting holes 3.4 in the operating lever happen.

With the actuating lever 1 and the holder 2 is a carrier 5th rigidly connected so that operating lever 1, holder 2 and Carrier 5 result in a structural unit. The carrier 5 has two Bays 6,7, which are drawn in plan view in FIG. 1. The receiving bay 6 is for receiving four microswitches suitable, while in the bay 7 a microswitch for this can be used across. In Fig. 1 there are opening slots 8 to recognize by which in the installed state of the not shown microswitch whose plug connections protrude can.

Due to the outer contour of the carrier 5 and the holder 2 an operating element 9 designed as a handle stored that it is both rotatable with respect to its longitudinal axis as well as being displaceable. Here is the displacement path through the locking ring 10 and a step 11 on the actuating element 9 given that against a console 12 of the Act holder 2. The actuating plunger of the not shown Microswitches point from the viewing level towards the viewer and are arched by an arch Switching gate 13, on the arcuate inner surface 14 Switching contours, not shown, extend in the circumferential direction. The actuating element 9 can opposite the shift gate 13 are moved axially, but takes at one Rotary movement with the shifting gate in the circumferential direction, so that by such a rotary motion, the shift gate in an arc over the plunger, not shown Microswitch is guided. Through appropriate surveys the microswitches in the Receiving bay 6 depending on the angular position of the Switching gate 13 switched through, by the non-rotatable Connection between the shift gate and the actuator Angular position of the switching link 13 with the rotational position of the actuating element 9 is rigidly coupled. Let it this way yourself by turning the handle 9 in a through the contours the switching order given the order Switch microswitch in bay 6. Here are with the present embodiment 5 different switching positions intended. There is a particular advantage of the invention in that by simply changing the arcuate Switching gate switching angle and switching sequence of the individual Microswitches are easy to change. In addition, the Bay 6 can be equipped with microswitches so that not all places of the two bays 6 and 7 with microswitches must be occupied.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the one on the left in FIG Edge area of the switching link 13 a circular sector stage 15 worked out a corresponding contour in the management area assigned to the wearer. Because the circular sector level 15 is missing in the right edge area of the shift gate, it is ensured that the switching link 13 only in the correct direction the carrier can be used, otherwise the actuator 9 not over the protruding shifting gate 13 can be pushed.

One is supported on the left end of the handle 9 in FIG. 1 Spiral spring 16 from which the handle so far to the left presses until the retaining ring 10 strikes the bracket 12. The opposite end of the coil spring 16 acts on a in the handle 9 rotatably but radially stored locking ring 17, of which only the upper half is shown. Over two arcuate sections the circular arc-shaped end face 18 of the locking ring 17 are axially projecting locking teeth at an equal distance distributed, which corresponding locking teeth 20 on the carrier 5th assigned. The locking teeth 19 thus form a locking contour, which are assigned a counter contour by the ratchet teeth 20 is. The individual teeth have inclined flanks, so that with a rotary movement of the handle 9, the locking ring 17th taken in the direction of rotation and through the sloping flanks the teeth against the force of the coil spring 16 to the left is lifted out of engagement. Once the teeth are out Are engaged, the teeth come offset by one tooth another rotation and engage again the rotary lever into the next switch position. In this way the handle 9 snaps in predetermined rotation angle steps in its individual rotary switch positions, to which the Control curves on the shift gate 13, the desired switching operations the microswitch are assigned.

The possibility of that a rotating indexing of what is described here Rotary switch can only be made if previously a special intervention is made. this happens by an annular locking slide 21, the two claws 22, which on the axial rails 23 of the carrier 5 in are axially displaceable but not rotatable. Also of the annular locking slide 21 is only that in FIG shown upper half. The handle 9 is with the locking slide 21 in the axial direction, for example by latching coupled, but is opposite the non-rotatably mounted Gate valve 21 rotatable. Instead of the axial coupling between locking slide 21 and handle 9 can also spiral return spring 29 may be provided.

This is in the normal state by the force of the spring 16th or the force of the spring 29 of the locking slide 21 in FIG. 1 shifted to the left and engages with its locking projections 24 between two securing stops 25 of the locking ring 17 a (see Fig. 2). This allows the locking ring no longer turn and accordingly because of the non-rotating Connection between locking ring 17 and handle 9 also not more the handle. An accidental twisting or one unintentional turning is not possible. Should now actually turned the handle are so this must be axially shifted to the right in Fig. 1 become. As a result, the locking projections 24 come out Intervention against the security attacks 25. A shift in Fig. 1 to the right to unlock characterized in that the actuating element 9 is shifted to the right is and with its ring wall 30 the annular locking slide 21 moves to the right. In this axial position of the Actuator 9 can be a step or continue turning several, the locking ring 17 in individual Angle of rotation steps engages. In Fig. 1 is still a 90 ° shifted approach 31 to recognize which to actuate the switching plunger of a seated in the bay 7 Microswitch can serve as an axial Movement of the handle to the right happens. Should on one Rotation lock by means of the locking slide 21 can be dispensed with, so it’s enough to leave it out. It is also possible to prevent an axial displacement of the handle 9, for example when switching in this direction using the Switching approach 31 is not necessary. In this case leaves a locking sleeve 32 indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 insert the handle 9 in the axial direction opposite the carrier 5 sets.

In Fig. 2 is a section through the rotary switch in the amount of Engagement between securing stop 25 and locking projections 24 shown, the viewer in Fig. 2 to the end the handle 9 in (Fig. 1 to the left) looks. In Fig. 2 shows the guide grooves 33 for the axial guidance of Axial projections 34 of the locking ring so that the handle opposite the locking ring is slidable, but opposite this is not rotatable. The handle is either held by the locked locking ring or he takes otherwise use the locking ring in the direction of rotation. Regarding the locking teeth 20, it is possible that only a single locking tooth or two symmetrically opposing locking teeth are provided on the carrier, which in corresponding recesses engage the locking contour of the locking ring. Below of the two locking teeth 20 can locking projections Advance axially from the carrier over the locking teeth 20, the with appropriate stops on the locking ring for one Limitation of the total permitted angle of rotation for the handle to care. In this way, by changing the Rastrings not only changed the number of turning steps, but also the permissible angle of rotation can be varied.

The surface of the locking ring 17 is opposite via support webs 36 the inner surface of the handle 9 is additionally supported. In Fig. 2 the handle 9 is on one in the drawing left end shown closed. But it can also inserted the handle described in application P44 39 905.7 be one of the axial displacement of the Handle independent operation of the located in the bay 24 Microswitch enables, so this microswitch can be operated without the rotary handle in Unlock the direction of rotation.

Claims (12)

1. Electric switches comprising a support carrying contact pieces, wherein electric contacts are closed by means of the contact pieces by moving an actuating element (9) guided on the support (5) and enclosing the same at least in part in at least one first direction of movement, with the actuating element (9) being rotatable vis-à-vis the support about the longitudinal axis thereof and/or displaceable toward the longitudinal axis thereof, characterized in that a locking ring (17) is provided for fixing rotating positions of the actuating element (9) vis-à-vis support (5), which ring (17) is arranged in a non-rotating and axially displaceable manner vis-à-vis the actuating element (9), with the locking ring (17) being axially biased against the actuating element (9) and, with a locking contour (19) engaging a conforming contour (20) connected to the support.
2. A switch according to claim 1, characterized in that provided on the inner contour of the locking ring (17) is at least one radially inwardly facing annular projection cooperating with at least one support projection (20), that it limits the angle of rotation of the locking ring and, hence, of the actuating element (9) vis-à-vis the support (5).
3. A switch according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking ring (17) is prestressed in the axial direction by a helical spring (16) supported with the other end thereof on the actuating element (9).
4. A switch according to any one of claims 1 through 3, characterized in that a gate valve (21) is arranged on the support (5) in a manner axially displaceable, and non-rotating vis-à-vis the support, with the said support, in a first axial position, impeding the rotating movement of the actuating element (9) and, in a second axial position, releasing the rotating movement of the actuating element (9).
5. A switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the gate valve (21), in its first axial position, engages at least one arresting stop (25) of the locking ring (17) to block the rotating movement thereof.
6. A switch according to claim 5, characterized in that the gate vale (21), in the first axial position between two adjacent arresting stops (25) of the locking ring (17) blocks in both directions of rotation.
7. A switch according to any one of claims 4 through 6, characterized in that the gate valve (21), by an axial displacement of the actuating element (9) can be placed from the locking first axial position into an unlocking position.
8. A switch according to claims 3 through 7, characterized in that the axial displacement of the actuating element (9) is against the force of the helical spring (16), and that a return spring (29) is provided which during the return movement of the actuating element (9) to its starting position moves the gate valve (21) into its locking first axial position.
9. A switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the return spring is formed by the helical spring (16) and the actuating unit (9), in the axial direction, is coupled while in the direction of rotation is freely movable vis-à-vis the gate valve (21).
10. A switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is manually operable by a special element movable in the axial direction independently of the actuating unit (9).
11. A switch according to any one of claims 1 through 3, characterized in that a preferably annular blocking element (32) axially supported on the support (5) engages the actuating element (9) impeding the axial displaceability but not the rotatability thereof.
12. A switch according to any one of claims 1 through 11, characterized in that the locking contour (119) of the locking ring (17) and the conforming contour (20) of the support (5) are so provided with tooth-type projections and recesses equidistantly arranged on a circular ring that in the meshing condition they can take at least five different angular positions.

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